I bought this CD as an "impulse buy" when I saw how beautiful its cover art was at Wal-Mart. I had no clue if I'd like it or not, and I've often been let down on my impulse buys. Having said that, this CD was NOT a disappointment. At first I enjoyed only a few of the songs, but now after more listens I enjoy it a lot more. Much of the music here has a big orchestral sound, which is exactly what I love. Not to mention the fact that the selections offer a wide range of musical styles and moods, from soaring joy to despair and everything in between. Even if you don't enjoy all songs, you'll likely enjoy some. --- The songs here are either from or inspired by music from various Cirque Du Soleil performances. I never even knew they had music albums until I bought this! Even if you haven't seen Cirque Du Soleil--and I never have--you'll still enjoy this CD, especially if you're into world/ethnic and New Age-type music.

Moving the spirit. I've grown disappointed in much "New Age" music nowadays because it's just watered-down ambient chillout pap, and when I listen to music, I want to be ENERGIZED and enlivened, not put to sleep. This CD is not technically New Age, but it could fit comfortably in that category--just don't expect to chill out to it much. The effect is exactly the opposite.

"Alegria," "Reveil," "Vocea," and "Gamelan," the first of which is one of the most beautiful and moving songs I have ever heard, and the third of which is eerie and ominous--and I have no idea what it's about. Try listening to "Alegria" and not being moved.

Some of the songs at first. I'm not used to some of the odd voices (such as that in "Stella Errans"), nor the heavy use of what sound to be synthesizers--another thing I can't stand about New Age. However, I'm warming to a lot of it. Don't expect to love EVERY track immediately; just try listening to it more than once and get used to it. I even kind of like "Stella Errans" now.

Listen to "Alegria" a hundred times over! And figure out exactly what they're saying in some of these songs. o_o

Alive and inspired.

Is various artists, working under the Cirque Du Soleil label. These are selections from various acts thus there are various writers and artists involved. For example, Francesca Gagnon is the voice behind "Alegria," and what a wonderful voice it is, too. --- Cirque Du Soleil has many other CDs out, another one of which, "Ka," I recently purchased and plan to review soon. From the look of it, each one is vastly different, so choose carefully when buying.

It's beautiful, and moving, and original--it's also not at all what I expected, but for once that turned out to be a good thing!

I would not be writing a review if I disliked this music--so there.

Many of the songs (e. g., "Kumbalawe," "Vocea," etc.) appear to be in a "made-up" language; however, I can't be sure which are so as I haven't had luck finding lyrics and translations. (The lyrics to "Alegria" and "Vocea," at least--though not the translation of the latter--can be found online.) This CD shares this in common with the albums put out by Adiemus, another group whose music you're likely to enjoy if you enjoy this.

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Created Apr 18, 2006 at 1:49am • Submit your own review...